The hippocampus (orange) is a structure in the brain that plays a key role in memory. Less extensive damage to the hippocampus has been linked to worse amnesia than more severe injuries SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Memory problems that occur with a type of amnesia paradoxically seem to be worse in people with less severe brain damage, compared with those with more damage. Severely injuring a key part of the brain that is involved in memory recall may force the organ to reorganise itself so other areas take on that function.
Developmental amnesia most often …
